Is cosmetic surgery right for you?

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mirror_looking

Did you know that Lisa Kudrow from the popular sitcom Friends underwent rhinoplasty (commonly known as a “nose job”) when she was just 16? In the past several years she has talked openly about how drastically the procedure improved her self-esteem. Celebrities used to keep mum about work they’d had done, but now many share their experiences with cosmetic surgery, from Jane Fonda’s openness about her chin, neck and eye work to Anna Faris’ candidness about her breast augmentation.

Breast Augmentation

Liposuction

Commonly referred to as “lipo,” this procedure reshapes parts of the body by removing excess fat.

Rhino

Nose Reshaping

This procedure, also known as rhinoplasty, improves the proportions of the nose to help develop better facial balance. Rhinoplasty can also improve breathing caused by structural issues.

Eyelid

Eyelid Surgery

Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the eye, from eliminating bags, wrinkles and sagging to getting rid of fatty deposits that cause puffiness.

Facelift

Facelifts

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, can help eliminate signs of aging in the face and neck, by getting rid of excess skin or fat, improving the appearance of wrinkles, and filling in lost fatty volume.

Cosmetic surgery is not for everyone. There are risks involved, as there are anytime you undergo surgery. In addition, the high costs of cosmetic surgery can make it prohibitive for many people. Others prefer to live naturally, even if that means showing signs of aging or living with imperfections. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

For many people, however, the benefits of cosmetic surgery outweigh the costs. Statistics have shown that cosmetic surgery is becoming more widespread. In 2016, Americans spent more than ever--over $16 billion--on cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures. In another change from the past, men now account for nearly 1 in 10 cosmetic surgery procedures performed.

Why People Have Cosmetic Surgery

Why are more people having cosmetic surgery? Because it can improve self-esteem and help people feel better about themselves. Psychologists acknowledge that an attractiveness bias leads people to judge those who are attractive as more likely to have other socially desirable qualities, like intelligence, competence or good morals. Those perceptions can affect both hiring decisions and dating choices.

1 in 10 Cosmetic Surgery Procedures are Performed on men.

Because the focus on attractiveness pervades so many facets of life, many people experience lower self-esteem when they show signs of aging or have a physical feature they deem unattractive. Sometimes that insecurity can negatively affect quality of life and relationships. When people feel bad about an imperfection, cosmetic surgery can boost self-confidence and decrease the intensity of negative body image emotions. A recent study found that cosmetic surgery can also improve a patient’s quality of life.

96% of people surveyed reported they felt better immediately following the procedure and over time.

Before you Have Cosmetic Surgery

If you are considering cosmetic surgery to repair an issue that causes distress, make sure you are doing it because making a change matters to you, not because it will make someone else happy. Enter into the procedure aware of the risks and with realistic expectations. Consult with your surgeon ahead of time to confirm you share the same vision and that the outcome will match your goals.

If, after weighing your options, you do choose to have cosmetic surgery, be confident in the choice you are making. With the increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgery, you will be in good company.